Pope's Creek is the birthplace of George Washington, considered the "father" of the United States. This picture was taken from the recreated family home of George Washington, overlooking the kitchen house. During the Colonial Period it was popular to have the kitchen in a separate house due to the excess heat generated from the open hearth (especially during the warmer months) and because of the hazards of fire. The original house was actually destroyed by fire when the Washington's were away on Christmas Day making there customary visits to neighboring plantations. The foundation of the original structure was uncovered nearby after the recreated house was already built.